Otago Boys Too Strong for Kings in Interschool, Win 35-7

Otago Boys High School first XV were too strong for traditional arch-rivals Kings High School in their annual inter-school fixture yesterday. Otago Boys ran in six tries to Kings' one to take a comfortable 35-7 victory at the University Oval.

The heavily favoured Otago Boys drew first blood with an excellent charge down from blindside flanker Blair Tweed, who regathered and beat all opposition to the line. This was the first of five tries scored by the Otago Boys' forward pack. Tweed crossed the line again later in the first half to grab a double.

The game was won up front as the Otago Boys' forwards were simply too strong. A front row consisting of Blair Laughton, Ethan Todd, and Isaac Gutchlag dominated the scrums, and were all effective around the ruck; all providing good metres from the pick and go.

Locks Joe Latta and Wade McClelland were brilliant in the line-outs making five takes each, and constantly pressuring the Kings into making mistakes. Both also had strong games around the ruck area. The loose forward trio all made their presence felt with Blair Tweed being the standout in that area.

Windy, slippery conditions made it hard for the backs to shine, but Otago Boys fullback Liam Edwards had an excellent game, reading the play from the back well and making some brilliant runs after taking some great high balls. The halfback-first five combination of Daniel Smart and Daniel Duke worked well, keeping Kings in their own half.

Kings only try came in the very first minute of the second half, when Te Reo Apaipo crashed over under the posts. While opportunities were limited, centre Tim Tolovae looked dangerous in space, and halfback Caleb Gray had an excellent game.

In other games, Otago Boys' second XV comfortably accounted for Kings' second XV, while the Otago Boys Colts also took a convincing win.